Archive for April, 2010

Great 5 mile run today at Manasquan Reservoir (MR) with a friend. I really love running with other ladies. I was not feeling the run today–I was so sluggish. Normally I get in my groove at 2 miles and I never got in the groove today at all—I struggled through the whole 5, but G kept me going.

I know she was holding back for me. She is a stronger/faster runner than I am. Picture a pretty blond with hair flowing, great form, making running look so easy next to me—sweaty mess, face redder than my red hair, hunched over, lurching along.

I love running at MR, but I always find that the route is more challenging than other routes I run—but the scenery is soooo worth it.

Today there were lots of people out for a lunch stroll. Lots of dogs walking their owners. Two men walking in casual business wear. Lots of people strolling in sweat shirts and jackets–while I was so hot, I wished I was naked. There was a man with a telescope like device and a father and a son watching the osprey nest.

When we hit the parking lot we witnessed a woman throwing her cigarette out the window–the irony was not lost on us.

Wow, I was not expecting it to be so cold out there. I wanted to run 6 miles after group today, but I was expecting it to be warmer. It never fails, when I am raring to go, my garmin takes forever to load. I ended up walking just because it was too cold to stand still while I waited.

I started off too fast–I need to work on negative splits. I haven’t run in 5 days and I was worried about not making it. I planned on a 6 mile route I had run in the past and I am glad I thought about it beforehand–it made it harder for me to quit and pick a shorter route when I got started. At one point, I almost talked myself into running 3 miles, but I stuck with my route, which forced me to get the additional miles in.

The wind was brutal (25 mph)! I wondered if I was actually moving–the wind was blowing so hard.

I love this picture. It looks just like me-red hair and all. My left groin area started hurting at mile 3 and is still a little achy–but I feel good. I needed to run today. Lately, I have been feeling like I have too much on my plate and I am a rubber band stretched all the way to the limit–running is my ME time.

Today was the March of Dimes walk in Ocean Grove. The Bosom Buddies planned on meeting to walk the 4 miles together. The weather report had warned of rain all week and unfortunately the report was spot on. It was light raining all morning. Finn had LAX and much to my chagrin it was not canceled—supposedly everyone knows LAX is played in the rain and only canceled for thunder showers (not me).

We had to high tail-it from LAX to Ocean Grove to get there for the start time. I knew that most of the moms and little ones would be unable to come—it was really cold and rainy by the beach. They boys (Ronan) was with me too were hoping the walk would be cut short so they could go to lunch. When we did not see anyone from our group, but we wanted a picture to prove we showed up:

We called grandma and grandpa (who live in town) to see if they wanted to join us for lunch. Wouldn’t you know it, the minute we hung up we ran into some die-hard BB members.

The boys and I went to meet my parents and then I went back to the walk–the boys got to enjoy some good ole Jersey Pork Roll and Cheese sandwiches.

I ran into a mother.runner friend and another Bosom Buddy at the end of the walk. The walk was cut short (from OG pavilion to Bradley and back) but it was nice to see everyone; although, my fingers are still a little numb:)

I have been composing this letter in my mind over the last couple of weeks and I have come to the conclusion that there really are no words that can represent how grateful I am for the support and camaraderie you have provided me over the last couple of months.

When I started running back in August, my goal was just to run. Could I do it? I had never been able to run before and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. If other people could do it—why couldn’t I? I signed up for a 5 K race and started running (if you could call it that)—incremental steps for me—it took awhile but I did it. I ran that first race S-L-O-W but I did NOT walk and from that moment on—I was OFF.

Back in November I decided I was going to run a ½ marathon; my goal was to complete the race before I turn 40 in October 2010. I had been running with friends and ladies from town, but no one else was willing to commit to a ½ with me.

I was so thankful to find out that Tammie was organizing a training group for a ½. I was so excited to attend the first session and meet all of you; I can now admit, I was a little nervous too. Just knowing that we were all working towards the same goal was inspiring for me. Our Sunday runs were just what I needed. Following your training on dailymile keep me motivated and you held me accountable for my own training. This was what I needed to follow through and get it done.

I am woman—hear me roar! MARATHON, here I come.

Now with your own ½ marathon less than a week away, I know without a doubt that you can do it. You are all strong women. You have trained hard. You are ready. You inspire me.

Lisa, you have conditioned yourself to be a runner—you are making it a daily routine, a habit—it comes naturally to you. I love watching your mileage climb. You inspire me.

Dana, I love your posts and more importantly your profile pictures on dailymile. A good sense of humor helps keep things in perspective. Running should be fun—we should enjoy how it makes us feel (not necessarily how we feel doing it—but the post high). I loved watching your training progress. You inspire me.

Crystal, you are fitting the running into your mom schedule (this is no easy feat). Finding the time for just you to enjoy yourself and friends is such a nice way to stay grounded. It was so nice meeting your beautiful children when we went to see Nikki’s husband play. You inspire me.

Jackie, you have managed to fit running into your family and work schedule. There were many times when I could easily talk myself out of the training run and I would see your post about running while on a business trip and I would get myself in gear; I had no excuses. I loved watching your endurance and speed grow. You inspire me.

Nikki, it has been so nice running with you. We often ended up running together due to our similar paces, but I know I would have been slower or in many cases would not have run as far, if it were not for your great company. You made running fun. You inspire me.

Melinda, you are a speed demon—you love running and it is so obvious that it comes to you naturally. You almost glow (almost, because you don’t sweatJ–just another thing I need to be envious about). You make it look so easy. You inspire me.

Tammie, your time and expertise was greatly appreciated. You organized a program that not only gave me the tools to complete my goal but also the motivation. It is because of you that I meet these lovely ladies. Thank you for fostering this opportunity of growth; for giving me a chance to show myself what I am capable of.

It seems like this week is extraordinarily busy and I feel like I am having a hard time squeezing in activities around all the appointments. On one hand, I am happy I have been busy at work, but I miss being able to put on my sneakers whenever I want and just go for a run.

Today I was able to fit in spin, a run, and tennis—but I am paying the price and now have to scramble to get some work stuff done. I have been struggling with my runs this week. Prior to the 1/2 marathon, I was beginning to look at 5 miles runs as my easy days and as a shorter run–but now I am questioning if I will ever feel that way again.

Today’s song, Good Two Shoes, Adam Ant

I was able to get 5 and change in today; overall pace 9:47 (not bad for 5.22 miles—mile 4 was hilly):

Wednesday’s are always busy–I look forward to our Bosom Buddies meetings, but it is hard to plan anything else on these days. I like to sneak a run in after group and thankfully B was able to join me today. I love having someone else to run with. It makes the run more enjoyable and the distraction is always a plus.

The weather was great–it had cooled off a little from the morning; although, I did carry hydration and drank an entire bottle of water while running. This was a first time carrying something and it seems to work well. I started the run hungry and thirsty–probably not my best idea–but did OK.

Here is the Nathan water bottle–it worked great

B and I ran 2 miles and then after I went to lock up the Community Center Room—I snuck another mile in.

Just in time too–now it is overcast and starting to rain–although, the rain would have felt good on my firey hot skin. I think I loose several pounds of sweat every time I run.

I took the last 2 days off post race and actually missed running. Today I went to strength training class at the Y–I love this. I usually strength train on Tuesday and Thurs for an hour, and if I miss I feel bad. The instructor is a runner and she is FABULOUS.

I was planning on running 2 miles after class at the library with 2 other racy runners—who ended up not showing—no biggie–I was going to run either way. The weather was gorgeous, but I am going to have to get used to running in warmer weather–I actually miss those snowy/ice cold days–my mouth felt sooooooo dry.